Mid Sussex cricket clubs pay tribute after tragic death of Sussex cricketer Matthew Hobden

Local cricket clubs have paid their own tributes to young Sussex bowler Matthew Hobden after his tragic death over the weekend.
By The Newsroom
Published 4th Jan 2016, 13:22 BST
Updated 8th Jun 2018, 06:37 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Matt Hobden, back right, celebrates victory in the Village Cup with Glynde back in 2009Matt Hobden, back right, celebrates victory in the Village Cup with Glynde back in 2009
Matt Hobden, back right, celebrates victory in the Village Cup with Glynde back in 2009

The 22-year-old was tipped for an extremely bright future in the game with many expecting the seamer to go on to play for England.

The former Eastbourne College pupil had played 18 First Class games for Sussex and taken 48 wickets including two five-wicket hauls.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear but he is believed to have died suddenly while in Scotland on Saturday night.

The bowler’s last First Class game for Sussex was in their heavy defeat to Nottingham at Horsham’s Cricketfield Road last year, where he took two wickets.

As a youngster, Hobden played for Glynde and Beddingham in the Sussex Cricket League where he helped them to win the final of the Village Cup at Lord’s in 2009.

He also played for Preston Nomads last season in the Premier Division after joining the club in 2012, where he featured against many local teams.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Burgess Hill Cricket Club posted on Facebook: “We’re shocked to hear the sad news about young Matthew Hobden. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time”

Haywards Heath Cricket Club said on Twitter: “Our thoughts are with @SussexCCC @Glynde_Cricket @PrestonNomads and the family & friends of Matthew Hobden. Tragic news. RIP”

Cuckfield tweeted: “Shocking & very sad news about Matt Hobden. A great cricketer and friendly bloke taken far too young. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Sussex vice-captian and former Ardingly College pupil Ben Brown posted on his Facebook page: “Truly shocking and heartbreaking couple of days. So hard to comprehend he’s gone. Thank you Hobbsy for refusing to cut off your golden locks and relentlessly backing that multi coloured belt and all the humour and laughs that came with it! I will always remember you in an oversized white Ralph Lauren tee shirt, that infamous belt, a pair of boat shoes and with a huge smile on your face. A great talent a top lad and someone we will all miss hugely. RIP Shooter.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1 Make this website your homepage

2 Like our Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Sport-Sussex

3 Follow us on Twitter @SportSussex

4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

Related topics:Burgess Hill Cricket ClubSussex Cricket LeagueEnglandTwitterFacebook